Verticillium dahliae is the most destructive root rot pathogen of marigold. For eco-friendly management of this disease, iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 nanoparticles) were synthesized with the seed extract of Trachyspermum ammi. Synthesis of Fe2O3 NPs was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible (UV) spectrum absorption peak at 275nm. FTIR validated functional groups on the nanoparticle surface, XRD showed a crystalline structure with an average size of 42nm, EDX proved elemental composition (Fe 71.6%, O 15.9%), and SEM showed a spherical morphology. Variable mycelial growth inhibition of V. dahliae was observed at different concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.5mg/mL) of synthesized Fe₂O₃ NPs, in vitro. The greatest mycelial growth inhibition (88.5%) was observed at 0.75mg/mL concentration. This concentration was further used to control root rot disease of marigold. Root priming of NPs significantly improved plant growth parameters such as root and shoot lengths, fresh and dry weights, increasing root length by 32%, shoot length by 34%, fresh weight by 42%, and dry weight by 18%. NPs treatment also enhanced photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids), relative water content, and osmolytes (proline and sugars) accumulation. Furthermore, nano-priming significantly decreased H2O2 and malondialdehyde levels, indicating less oxidative stress, as well as decreased relative electrolyte leakage. Histological analysis revealed a decreased mycelial colonization of V. dahliae in the root vascular tissues of marigold. Application of Fe2O3 NPs upregulated the expression of carotenoid biosynthesis pathway genes including Phytoene synthase, Phytoene desaturase, Beta cyclase and Epsilon cyclase, indicating their role in plant defense. The biosynthesized Fe2O₃ nanoparticles improved physiological and biochemical parameters and activated defense-related gene expression, which successfully inhibited the V. dahliae growth and increased resistance in marigold plants. These results imply that Fe₂O₃ NPs produced from T. ammi seed extract could be a viable and environmentally friendly method of controlling Verticillium root rot in marigolds.

The escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly among biofilm-forming bacterial pathogens, has necessitated the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Trachyspermum ammi hydrosol has exhibited a range of bioactive properties. However, its potential as a dual-action antimicrobial agent targeting both planktonic and biofilm-associated microorganisms remains underexplored. This study aimed to explore the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of T. ammi hydrosol (TaHy) against two major Gram-positive pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), and elucidate its mechanism of action based on cell. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate in vivo acute toxicity and biosafety. Antimicrobial activities were assessed using DDA, MIC, and time-kill assays. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated using a crystal violet method, and biofilm morphology was examined by microscopy. TaHy demonstrated efficient inhibition in hydrophobicity and EPS production, along with alterations in membrane integrity, including bacteriolysis and protein and nucleic acid release. Our results showed that the MIC of TaHy was 0.625mg/mL against both pathogens and that it significantly inhibited and eradicated biofilm formation at sub-MIC values, as confirmed by SEM and fluorescence microscopy. TaHy effectively inhibited hydrophobicity and EPS production, reducing the virulence factors of pathogens to 1/8 MIC. Consequently, in vivo acute oral toxicity tests revealed no adverse effects at doses up to 2000mg/kg body weight of hydrosol concentrate. These findings revealed that TaHy has robust antimicrobial and antibiofilm capability against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes.

Systematic investigation of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus inhibition: Integrating essential oils-based formulation with mathematical modeling and transcriptomic analysis.

Enhancing Drought Resistance and Phytochemical Composition of Trachyspermum ammi L. through Mycorrhizal Fungi and Salicylic Acid

Due to increasing microbial resistance against standard drugs, this study screens selected essential oils (EOs) as alternatives to antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus. Amongst the selected EOs, Trachyspermum ammi (TraEo) and Thymus vulgaris (ThvEo), with its major component thymol, showed excellent antibacterial activity in DDA, volatile assay with MIC values of 0.234 μL/ mL, 0.468 μL/mL and 156.25 μg/ml, respectively. Growth studies suggest the complete inhibition of growth at minimal and sub-minimal concentrations, followed by time-dependent killing kinetics behaviour with further live and dead cell staining confirmation by fluorescence microscopy. TraEo and ThvEo also showed the capability to reduce bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity and inhibit biofilm formation at a significant level. Given the existing gaps in understanding the antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of essential oils, this study offer valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms responsible for TraEo and ThvEo, which may involve the alteration of bacterial membrane permeability and integrity as evidenced by the leakage of macromolecular substances (DNA, RNA and protein) into the supernatant. SEM analysis also revealed cell surface morphological alterations (size and texture) in the treated cells supporting the role of TraEo and ThvEo on membrane alteration as a key antimicrobial mechanism.

In a 42-day research trial, a total of 1,760 day-old “Cobb-430Y” broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: NC, PBB1, PBB2, and CS. Each group consisted of 440 birds, subdivided into four replicates of 110 birds each. The present study aimed to comparatively assess the effects of a phytogenic botanical blend (PBB) and a conventional synbiotic (CS) on the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), tight junction protein (TJ) specifically claudin-2 (CLDN-2) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and histopathological findings of PAS-stained ileum in broiler chickens. The PBB was formulated as a blend of Ocimum sanctum, Allium cepa, Trachyspermum ammi, Mangifera indica, Curcuma longa, and Piper longum. The conventional synbiotic comprised probiotic strains (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus coagulans, and Lactobacillus acidophilus) along with prebiotic components, namely β-glucans and mannan oligosaccharides. The NC group received only the basal diet. Groups PBB1 and PBB2 were supplemented with PBB at 500 g/MT and 1000 g/MT of finished feed, respectively, while the CS group received the synbiotic at 250 g/MT. Compared with the NC group, birds in PBB1, PBB2, and CS exhibited significant increases (P<0.05) in EPEF of approximately 11.78%, 16.24%, and 15.38%, respectively. Furthermore, PBB2 and CS supplementation significantly (p<0.05) enhanced TJ protein relative to NC. Goblet cell number showed no significant difference (p>0.05) among the groups. However, goblet cell area increased across all supplemented groups, with elevations of 28.60%, 93.50%, and 110.92% in PBB1, PBB2, and CS, respectively. Mucin-associated staining intensity demonstrated slight increases of 2.97%, 1.30%, and 0.63%, while integrated optical density (IOD) increased by 29.18%, 85.76%, and 90.99% in PBB1, PBB2, and CS, respectively. Overall, PBB inclusion at 1000 g/MT effectively improved EPEF, TJ proteins, goblet cell morphometry, and mucin-associated optical parameters, reinforcing mucosal defence. Similar benefits were observed with CS at 250 g/MT.

Sustainable carbon quantum dots for highly selective Cu2+ ion detection in water and thermal sensing applications.

Background: Antibacterial resistance has become a critical global health concern. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to discover and utilize natural plant-based products as alternative antibacterial agents. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial effects of essential oils from four medicinal plants against drug-resistant bacteria isolated from tracheal cultures of ventilator-dependent patients. Materials and methods: Essential oils were extracted from Oliveriadecumbens, Zatariamultiflora, Cuminumcyminum, and Trachyspermumammi using a Clevenger apparatus. The antibacterial efficacy was tested against drug-resistant bacterial strains, including four strains of Escherichia (E.) coli, five strains of Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae, and four strains of Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa, all isolated from the sputum of ventilator-dependent patients. The disk diffusion method was used to assess antibacterial activity, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method was employed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the two most effective essential oils.Results: The antibiogram results demonstrated that Trachyspermum ammi produced the largest inhibition zones against all bacteria, followed by Oliveria decumbens. Trachyspermum ammi showed the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli, while Oliveria decumbens was most effective against K. pneumoniae. In MIC testing, Oliveria decumbens exhibited a stronger antibacterial effect at lower concentrations compared to Trachyspermum ammi.Conclusion: This study is the first to report the antibacterial effects of the essential oils from all four plants, particularly Trachyspermum ammi and Oliveria decumbens, against bacteria isolated from ventilator-dependent patients. Both plants show promising potential as antibacterial agents against these drug-resistant bacteria.

Memory and learning are crucial cognitive functions, often compromised in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and age-related cognitive decline. There is increasing interest in herbal nootropic agents due to their safety and reduced side-effect profile compared to synthetic drugs. Ocimum sanctum (Tulasi) and Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain) are two medicinal plants traditionally used in Ayurveda for their neuroprotective and adaptogenic properties. This study investigates the memory-enhancing effects of a combination of Ocimum sanctum and Trachyspermum ammi powders at two different concentrations (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), compared with the standard nootropic drug Piracetam (1 mg/kg), using the 8-Arm Radial Maze model in mice. Male mice were randomly divided into four groups: Group A (Control, 0.9% saline), Group B (Piracetam 1 mg/kg), Group C (Test 1: 100 mg/kg of Tulasi-Ajwain combination in 1:1 ratio), and Group D (Test 2: 200 mg/kg of the same combination). Each group contained four animals (n = 4). The 8-Arm Radial Maze was used to assess spatial memory by recording the number of correct arm entries (out of 8) at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours post-administration. Higher numbers of correct entries indicate better memory performance. The control group (Group A) showed a gradual increase in correct entries over time, reaching an average of ~11 at 24 hours. Group B (Piracetam) consistently demonstrated improved performance, with an average of 15 correct entries at 24 hours, indicating strong nootropic activity. Test groups C and D, receiving the herbal combination at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg respectively, also showed significant improvement in correct entries over time. Group D (200 mg/kg) exhibited superior performance among the test groups, with correct entries reaching 12–17 by 24 hours, closely approaching Piracetam’s efficacy. Group C (100 mg/kg) showed moderate but consistent improvement, with 11–15 correct entries at 24 hours. These results suggest a dose-dependent enhancement of spatial memory by the herbal combinations. The present study demonstrates that the combination of Ocimum sanctum (Tulasi) and Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain) exerts significant memory-enhancing effects in mice, as evidenced by improved performance in the 8-Arm Radial Maze test. Both test doses (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) showed progressive enhancement in spatial memory, with the higher dose (200 mg/kg) producing results comparable to the standard nootropic drug Piracetam. These findings suggest a dose-dependent nootropic potential of the Tulasi–Ajwain combination, supporting its traditional use in cognitive enhancement and highlighting its promise as a safe, herbal alternative for managing cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders.

Post-harvest losses caused by insect pests threaten the safe storage of pulses, particularly mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). The pulse beetle, Callosobruchus analis, is a major storage pest responsible for severe quantitative and qualitative losses. This study evaluated the insecticidal efficacy of aqueous extracts from six indigenous plant species, such as garlic (Allium sativum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), neem (Azadirachta indica), tumha (Citrullus colocynthis), ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), and bitter cress (Caralluma tuberculata), against C. analis under laboratory conditions. A Completely Randomized Design with five replications was used to test six concentrations (0.5–3.0% w/v) of each extract. Adult mortality was recorded up to 7 days, and effects on fecundity, development, adult emergence, grain infestation, and weight loss were evaluated. All plant extracts significantly affected the survival and biological parameters of C. analis. Garlic and turmeric extracts were most effective, producing up to 81.1% adult mortality, significantly reducing oviposition, delaying development, suppressing progeny emergence, and minimizing grain infestation and weight loss. Grain damage was reduced from ≈40% in control to 11–15% in treated grains, while weight loss decreased from 27.4% to as low as 7.25%. Neem and tumha showed moderate efficacy, whereas ajwain and bitter cress were comparatively less effective. Sex ratio was not significantly affected. The results demonstrate that aqueous extracts of indigenous plants, particularly garlic and turmeric, provide an effective, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides and hold strong potential for sustainable management of pulse beetle in stored mung beans.

Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals, discovered in the 1930s, that generate pigment in plants and play various biological roles in other cellular processes. It is estimated that the average dietary intake of flavonoids in humans is several hundred mg per day. Quercetin and kaempferol, the most abundant dietary flavonoids, has been reported for its strong antioxidant capabilities, anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, a simple, reproducible, robust and precise high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) densitometric method was developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of quercetin and kaempferol as per ICH guidelines. Quercetin and kaempferol were separated on aluminium-backed silica gel 60 F254 plates using toluene: ethyl acetate: methanol: formic acid (5:3:1:0.2, % v/v) as the mobile phase. This system was found to give compact bands of kaempferol and quercetin at Rf value 0.64 ± 0.05 and 0.69 ± 0.05, respectively. The proposed method was employed with a high degree of precision and accuracy for the simultaneous estimation of quercetin and kaempferol in methanolic extracts of petals of Rosa damascena Mill., whole plant of Origanum vulgare Linn., rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi DC., seeds of Trachyspermum ammi Linn. and Apium graveolens Linn., and in-house Unani formulation Safoof-e-Muhazzil containing these plants as ingredients.

This study investigates the influence of salt-assisted hydrodistillation and sequential fractionation on the essential oil (EO) yield, composition, and antibacterial activity of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) seeds. Seeds distilled using 0.25% NaCl and 0.75% CaCl2 media yielded higher EO content (5.0% and 4.8%, respectively) compared to the control. GC and GC-MS analyses identified 14 chemical constituents, with thymol, p-cymene, and γ-terpinene as the major components. The highest thymol concentration (73.00%) was observed in the 0.5% NaCl treatment, while p-cymene was more abundant in CaCl2-treated samples than in NaCl or control samples. Sequential fractionation over time revealed that monoterpene phenols (mainly thymol) and alkylbenzene monoterpenes (p-cymene) dominated all EO fractions. Notably, early fractions showed significantly enriched thymol levels: 73.42– 77.84% in the control (first 3 fractions), 75.55–80.42% in 0.25% NaCl (first 4 fractions), and 74.02–82.19% in 0.75% CaCl2 (first 5 fractions). Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that salt treatments explained most of the variability in EO composition (NaCl 89.4%, CaCl2 86.5%) and revealed clear clustering patterns associated with distinct chemical profiles. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing EO extraction to meet specific market demands. Antibacterial screening of the control fractions showed medium to strong activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Fraction 3 and cumulative fractions 1-2 to 1-7 produced the largest inhibition zones (20–23 mm). Most importantly, fraction 1-2 displayed the lowest MIC (31.25 μg/mL), indicating strong antibacterial potential.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of selected phytogenic feed additives on serum biochemical profile and antioxidant status in broiler chickens. A total of 120-day-old Ven-Cobb broiler chicks were randomly allocated into ten dietary treatment groups and reared for 35 days. The treatments included a basal diet (control), vitamin E and selenium as a standard antioxidant, Trachyspermum ammi, Capsicum annuum and Zingiber officinale powders supplemented individually at two inclusion levels (5 and 10 g/kg feed) and their combinations at corresponding low and high doses. Serum biochemical parameters, including total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin-to-globulin ratio, were evaluated on days 7, 21 and 35. Antioxidant status was assessed on day 35 by estimating serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. The results revealed no significant differences among groups during the first and third weeks. However, at the fifth week, birds supplemented with phytogenic additives exhibited significantly higher serum total protein, albumin and globulin levels compared to the control group. A significant reduction in the albumin-to-globulin ratio was observed in Capsicum annuum, Zingiber officinale, combination groups and the vitamin E and selenium group. Antioxidant assessment demonstrated a significant increase in serum SOD activity and a concomitant reduction in MDA levels in all phytogenic-supplemented groups. Notably, Capsicum annuum at 5 g/kg feed showed the highest SOD activity and the lowest MDA concentration. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Trachyspermum ammi, Capsicum annuum and Zingiber officinale, either individually or in combination, effectively improves serum biochemical indices or enhances antioxidant defense mechanisms in broiler chickens, suggesting their potential as natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants in poultry nutrition.

Selenium (Se), an important micronutrient with several biological effects, exhibits improved stability, biocompatibility, and safety through nanoparticle (NP) formulation. We present here a novel approach for producing smaller and structurally stable biogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with bioactive coating. Poly(allylamine hydrochloride)-coated SeNPs were synthesized biogenically using Trachyspermum ammi (TA) seed extract, in parallel to chemically synthesized SeNPs. NPs were characterized and assessed for their in vitro antioxidant/radical scavenging potential through multiple complementary chemical assays along with the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and biocompatibility assay using human dermal fibroblasts. Both NPs were spherical and positively charged, with TA-SeNPs having a smaller size and a more amorphous nature. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of elemental Se. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the functional groups common to both NPs, with unique aliphatic, aromatic and glycosidic linkages, and phenolic compounds in TA-SeNPs, attributed to the TA extract. Both NPs showed dose-dependent antioxidative properties, with TA-SeNPs exhibiting significantly increased antioxidant activity among all the tested samples and showing similar to relatively higher activity relative to L-ascorbic acid (AA) and TA extract in several assays. Viability assays revealed that both NPs were nontoxic at low concentrations; however, cell viability is decreased at high concentrations, indicating dose-dependent cytotoxicity. TA-SeNPs suppressed reactive oxygen species more effectively at low concentrations, whereas SeNPs showed stronger activity at high concentrations. Our findings showed that the TA extract-mediated biosynthesis offers a cost-effective and biologically favorable route to produce SeNPs, with potential for safer antioxidant nanomedicine applications.

Improving the protective features of fresh pistachios against chilling injury and enzymatic discoloration through the synergistic application of Ajwain seeds essential oils (Trachyspermum ammi) and carboxymethylcellulose

Abstract Background: Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague ex Turrill ( Ajwā’in ) is a widely known medicinal herb used in the traditional systems of medicine for treating gastrointestinal, skin, respiratory, and liver disorders. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacognostical, physicochemical, phytochemical, and antioxidant properties of T. ammi seeds to provide a scientific basis for their traditional use. Materials and Methods: Physicochemical parameters, including total ash, water-soluble ash, acid-insoluble ash, moisture content, and pH, were assessed. Phytochemical screening was performed in aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Results: Physicochemical analysis confirmed purity within standard limits ([total ash 10.6%, water-soluble ash 11.2%, acid-insoluble ash 0.76%, moisture 9.5%, total oil 4%]. pH values were 3.20 [1% solution] and 3.35 [10% solution]). pH values were 7.28 (1% solution) and 6.14 (10% solution). DPPH assay showed potent antioxidant activity (IC 50 48.44 µg/mL). TPC was 21.52 ± 0.52 µg/mL in aqueous extract and 14.47 ± 0.58 µg/mL in hydroalcoholic extract. Conclusion: T. ammi exhibits quality, purity, and significant antioxidant potential, validating its role in Unani medicine as a natural therapeutic agent.

Rice blast, caused by Pyricularia oryzae, is a major destructive disease that significantly reduces rice production. This study was conducted in both in vitro and greenhouse conditions in Guilan province in Iran to assess the feasibility of using plant extracts for managing the rice blast disease. In vitro trials involved ethanol- and methanol-based extracts derived from eight medicinal plants: Trachyspermum ammi, Eugenia caryophyllata, Eucalyptus globulus, Urtica dioica, Thymus vulgaris, Artemisia dracunculus, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Mentha piperita. These extracts were tested at five concentrations (0 as control, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/ml) as the poisoned agar technique, and their antifungal activity was evaluated based on mycelial growth and inhibition percentage. Greenhouse trials assessed the same extracts applied at 1% on both inoculated and uninoculated plants. Their effectiveness was compared with a chemical fungicide, as well as infected and healthy controls. Several traits were examined, including disease severity, disease reduction percentage, disease incidence, and various morphological (plant height, fresh weight, dry weight) and physiological (germination percentage, growth rate, seed vigor) parameters. The results revealed that E. caryophyllata extract, across all concentrations and solvents, exhibited the strongest fungistatic effect, surpassing the other extracts in inhibiting fungal growth. T. ammi extract ranked second in efficacy. Based on these findings, E. caryophyllata and T. ammi may be promising non-chemical alternatives for controlling rice blast.

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), is a serious pest of cruciferous crops worldwide and cause serious damage, resulting in up to 90 % yield loss. Heavy dependence on synthetic insecticides has led to widespread resistance and raised environmental concerns, demanding an urgent need for safer, eco-friendly pest control options. In this study, we examined the electrophysiological, behavioural responses of P. xylostella to ten Essential Oils (EOs): Pelargonium hortorum, Ocimum basilicum, Acorus calamus, Trachyspermum ammi, Piper betle, Cymbopogon nardus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Mentha piperita, and Eucalyptus citriodora. Electro Antennogram (EAG) analysis showed that all EOs tested elicited antennal response in adult females; however, R. officinalis, A. calamus, Z. officinale and C. nardus caused significantly higher responses than the other oils tested, and this antennal response aids in host and mate selection. In the behavioural assay using the Y-tube olfactometer revealed that A. calamus, P. betel, Z. officinale, R. officinalis and P. hortorum produced highly significant repellency (P ≤ 0.01). Oviposition assays further revealed that A. calamus, P. hortorum, and Z. officinale at 5% reduced egg laying by 91.78%, 86.9%, and 73.86%, respectively and it was 2.4 to 3.0 times more effective than neem Azadirachta indica. Overall, the results demonstrate robust olfactory and behavioural impacts of several essential oils, particularly A. calamus, Z. officinale and P. hortorum, supporting their potential as botanical repellents or oviposition deterrents for integrated pest management targeting P. xylostella.

Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), a member of the Apiaceae family, contains high levels of thymol, carvacrol, terpinene, phlandrene, and other oxygenated monoterpenes responsible for its pharmacological properties. Seed extracts exhibit potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus. Ajwain demonstrates strong antioxidant potential associated with carotenoids and flavonoids, and its essential oil exerts broad-spectrum fungitoxicity against Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium spp. The plant also shows anthelmintic activity through ATPase interference and stimulation of gut peristalsis. In aquaculture, supplementation of ajwain extract (1–2%) significantly improves rainbow trout growth indices (SGR, FCR, BWI), lysozyme activity, and survival rate. Additional studies show enhanced feed utilization and immunity in Nile tilapia and broilers. These findings support the use of ajwain as a natural growth promoter, immunostimulant, and antimicrobial agent in animal production systems.

Probing the responses of thirty-six ajwain (Trachyspermum Ammi L.) ecotypes by phytochemical, morphological, and yield characteristics under drought stress.